After a year off from school, Luke had been awarded a scholarship in January at the University of Texas at El Paso. He was expected to start as a tight end there this fall.

Luke Laufenberg was expected to start at tight end this fall at the University of Texas at El Paso. He died from cancer Thursday.

Courtesy photo

The cancer returned in April. And in July, Luke was told his condition was terminal.

"He handled the news with a strength of character and sweet demeanor that will always inspire his family, friends, coaches, doctors and the treatment staff at Children's Medical Center Dallas," the family statement said.

The UTEP head football coach, Dana Dimel, said Luke will forever be a Miner.

"Luke touched my heart and soul forever. His spirit and fight are a reminder to me of what it means to play and coach the game of football," Dimel said in a statement.

Babe Laufenberg shared photos of his son on Instagram on Thursday.

"We have never seen a person battle like Luke, but he lost his fight with cancer. He was truly inspirational," Laufenberg wrote. "The hole in our hearts will never be filled."

Luke Laufenberg is survived by his parents, Babe and Joan, and his brother Joe Willie Laufenberg.